NHL Trade Rumors: Sabres' Phones "Buzzing With Interest" on JJ Peterka

The Buffalo Sabres have been one of the most talked about teams on the rumor mill as we approach the NHL Trade Deadline in seven days. But while names like Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram have dominated the Buffalo talk, we now get a new entrant to the proceedings in pending RFA—JJ Peterka. Daily Faceoff Insider Frank Seravalli says the Sabres' phones are "buzzing with interest" on the youngster:

Sources say any team calling Buffalo has been met with resistance on Peterka, but the volume of calls has increased, and the amount of chatter around the league is growing louder.

Peterka, just 23, has elevated himself into a top-line winger, and after breaking through with a 28-goal season as a sophomore last year, has already set a new career high this season with 27 assists and is on pace, with 44 points, to blow away his personal best of 50 in that category as well. He's also up to 18 minutes average time on ice, a minute and a half increase from last season.

As a restricted free agent this summer, Peterka is ripe for a big offer sheet coming his way, notes Seravalli. Which is why the Sabres could be feeling pressure to act one way or the other, either sign him to an extension or trade him, leading to rival teams trying to secure him now, before someone tries to poach him with a big offer sheet after July 1.

According to one report, there could even be pressure from the owner's suite to turn aside any trade offers.

I think it was in the midst of the 22-23 season when Marek said JJ Peterka was becoming one of the owner's favorite players on the team. Assuming that was the case, I find it very hard to believe he'd be made available in any sort of trade
— Chris Ostrander (@2ITB_Buffalo) February 28, 2025

There's no word yet on which teams are doing the "buzzing", but there aren't many that wouldn't be interested in the former second-rounder (2020 Draft) with oodles of potential.